Research? How About Just Listen.

Writing a music blog, I get to hear some really bad music. No, I mean some really bad music. Everyone and his cousin who has an interest in the music business sends me links, follows me and wants to be my friend. People who know me are keenly aware..I am not that friendly.

I do however have a few friends and people in high places (well maybe not high, but a bit loftier than me), who give me a head's up for things of interest on the music front. Well, thanks to the 'cat's eyes,' we have a topic to discuss. That subject is pretty much the reason this blog was created in the first place. The state of music today. ugh.

It seems researchers in Spain have compiled musical data from the last fifty years, used crazy algorithms and figured out that the pop music of today is louder and more boring than music from years back. My first question is: Did they really need to do research to figure this out?

The research shows that today's music has less complex chord structure, simpler melodies and well frankly, it is crap. Basically the high, low and depth which makes music sound so layered and complex, has been replaced by extra bass and volume. ugh.

Now, I cannot comprehend the need for this whole research team, which by the way, was led by an "Artificial Intelligence Specialist." That term alone is enough to make me crazy.

Music is something you feel in your heart, something that breaks through to your soul. 

Music is something which can make you cry or bring you out of the bottomless pit of despair.

 I know, it's done it for me.

 Enough talk, let's just listen to what I consider a few really great songs.

First up, one of the greatest musical anthems for imagery, vocals, arrangement, and if you have ever seen it live...performance.

Meat Loaf  "Bat Out Of Hell" ... a masterpiece from Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman. an almost 10 minute roller coaster ride.
Jethro Tull "Heavy Horses" ...an insanely beautifully constructed song. As you listen, take a look at the lyrics. not exactly of the "let me do you on the kitchen table" type of lyric. musically...intense and vibrant.
Bob Marley "Could You Be Loved" ...a great rhythm, message and hell it's Marley.
Bruce Springsteen "Jungleland" ...story, vocal, piano...and the big man.

Now, there are thousands of songs I could have included here, feel free to leave comments on what songs you consider great. These are just used to make a point.. None of these songs were created with a beat machine, auto tune or any other tricks. These songs were written with deep emotion using all the skills necessary to create brilliant musical arrangements... full of passion.

One thing I can guarantee, long after we are all gone from this earth, another generation will hear the opening riff of "Layla" and smile. Can the same be said of 95% of the songs you will hear today?

Didn't think so.

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